Recent Local & National News Topics That Have an Effect on the GLBT Community

Gay Couple in Yearbook Dispute Speak Out

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Palmer High School Students are accusing a yearbook advisor of cutting a page because it included a photo of a lesbian couple.KRDO Newschannel 13 spoke exclusively with the couple who are at the middle of the controversy. Charron Johnson and Courtney Williams are seniors at Palmer High School. Since the 5th grade, they have been friends. Eventually, that friendship turned to love."We became closer in middle school, and in the 8th grade we became best friend," said Williams. "I love her a lot and I feel like I wouldn't have made it this far without her. She changed my life for the better," replied Johnson.

Focus on the Family Files Colorado Ballot Initiative To Allow Anti-Gay Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs

On March 7, the Christianist Alliance Defense Fund sent a proposed ballot initative to he Colorado Legislative Council that would protect the rights of religious organizations or individuals to discriminate based on their beliefs, the Denver Post reports:

The draft language states that government may not directly or indirectly burden a person or organization by withholding benefits, assessing penalties or excluding a person or group from government programs or facilities.

...The amendment representative named is Tom Minnery (pictured), senior vice president of Focus on the Family.

Minnery...denies it's spurred by the national debate over religious freedom and conscience-based exemptions to national health care mandates, such as required coverage of birth control.

All week long we have been testing our new smart phone app created specifically for COSPride.org and the Colorado LGBT community.

The Pride Network Mobile App has six main screens that allow you to instantly see a list of all LGBT Supportive Pride Chamber Business Partners, a current list of LGBT activities throughout the city, the Pride Center's live Facebook wall, COSPrideDoor about auditory.org's live Twitter feed, one touch options to call or e-mail us and then the most exciting option - our brand new Pride Card.

The Pride Card feature will allow anyone who downloads and installs the Pride Network Mobile App on their phone to show participating business partners that days pride card image and receive specific pride discounts. Our plan is to roll a new discount out every one to two days so the sooner you have the app installed the sooner you will be saving money.

Yesterday we added the first Pride Card Discount from Bubbles Nightclub (one of our Platinum Business Partners) when you show their doorman the current pride card image from your cell phone you will receive one FREE cover with one paid cover! Then today we added the Body Detox Center (one of our Silver Business Partners) when you show Kimberly the current pride card image from your cell phone you will receive A 15 minute $15.00 upgrade FREE.

It is incredible just how much free stuff and savings the LGBT community will enjoy from LGBT supportive businesses!

Android users can download the app now from Play Google and iPhone users will soon be able to download from the Apple App Store. The app is currently free but will not be for long so downloaded soon! The Name of the App is "COSPride".

"INNER"tainment with Marlene Milner will present: Internet "Dating for the Sophisticated Soul."

This will be a FREE BROWN BAG LUNCH at Cottonwood Center for the Arts on Wednesday, March 21st from 11AM to 1PM. Go to Marlene's website: marlenemilner.com for more details or contact Cottonwood Center for the Arts at 520-1899.

Support Those Who Support UsAny bookings for "INNER"tainment or Self-Alignment Coaching Sessions, 10% of monies taken will be donated to Colorado Springs Pride.

Join us for the COSPride.org's Pride Chamber Monthly Business Mixer and Happy Hour the 1st Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30p

Each event is filled with opportunities to mix and mingle, and promote your business while networking with community in a fun and casual atmosphere. Monthly mixers are hosted by different organizations business partners.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Lunch Break, PPGLCC and the Colorado Springs Pride Center do not necessarily subscribe to or agree with any expressed opinion.

Thank You Lucky Stoller,

03-16-12

Here is a special Thank You Shout Out to Lucky one of our monthly donors! Many think we are funded by grants and government contracts. With the exception of one Gill Foundation grant, everything else comes from you the individual. In fact most of our budget comes from individuals. So again, Thank you again for investing in the equality of LGBT people in Colorado Springs.

Perhaps dozens of young Iraqi men and boys suspected of being gay have been murdered in recent weeks, as news reports describe some being found with their skulls crushed by cement blocks. So far the attacks appear to target young men who dress in a style known in Iraq as "emo." Iraqi officials say they are unsure what groups are behind the killing spree, but the government itself has said emo youths are a menace, and has labeled their style of dress "Satanic." "It's a clear war on sexual minorities on Iraq. They are refusing to admit it," said Ali Hili, a London-based gay Iraqi activist who claims that as many as 750 gay Iraqis have been murdered during the past six years. The New York Times , CNN

New federal rules make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in determining eligibility for federally funded housing. The new regulations were announced by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, who spoke in Detroit at a White House conference on LGBT homelessness. The Washington Post

A recent poll finds that 69% of active duty military personnel say they have not been affected by the end of the ban on openly gay and lesbian troops. Just 2% of respondents said they had moved from military housing because of the end of "don't ask, don't tell." MarineCorpsTimes.com

News From Local Colorado Springs and Nearby City Organizations - Add Your Event

Gold Rush 2012

The Colorado Gold Rush is a national transgender conference hosted by The Gender Identity Center of Colorado. Our 2012 conference is being held at the Denver Renaissance Hotel March 22nd Thru March 24th

We are pleased to announce that The International Foundation for Gender Education "IFGE" has partnered with us to present the 14th Annual Colorado Gold Rush Conference.

Please welcome Snow Mountain Designs (Hand stamped custom jewelry & accessories) to the 22nd Annual Colorado Springs PrideFest. They will be in Space 18 on Saturday & Sunday July 21st and 22nd, 2012. Visit them and thank them for supporting the local LGBT community!

Advertising OpportunitiesLeft Bar Images / Banners $10 One Time $30 Per MonthTop Bar Images / Banners $20 One Time $50 Per MonthSprings Nightlife $25 One Time $75 Per Month (FREE to GLBTA Chamber Members Silver and Above)Classified Ads $5 One Time $20 Per Month